January in New Hampshire. I'm sitting here dreaming of the Sierra, and thought is was time to do a TR from last summer. So last year, I headed west with my buddy Dan. After having done Red Mtn a couple times and Bench valley, we went south to Blackcap this time around.. Then over the hill to Martha Lake, and looped back around over Hell for Sure. Here is the story (trigger warning!! there is one pic of dead fish).
Day One: the plan was to make it to the Kings River from Courtright. Well, that was the plan. But we didn't get on the trail until 7pm, and by the time we hit Post Corral (9:30....12:30 eastern time) we were toast.
Day Two: Post Corral to Portal Lake. This was one long, boring slog. Mile after mile of pretty much the same view. You don't really break out into the open until you are almost at the lake. But then, it is all worth it
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Nothing like some mountain house eggs to start the day
Heading south to the Kings
Finally in the open
Camp at Portal. Beautiful and all alone.
The close of day one.
Day 3: Exploring and fishing. The last time I was in Blackcap Basin was 1969. So it was time to re-aquaint myself with this gorgeous place. Dan headed straight up the inlet to the upper basin (Midway, Chapel, and Cathedral), I took the scenic route by going to Pearl and then following the use trail over. Most amazing thing to me is finding deer up around Cathedral....what the heck are they doing up there??
Fishing for breakfast (I"ll give a fishing summary of the trip at the end)
Cathedral Lake. I think I would camp here if I returned to this area. Beautiful.
We got back to camp around 3pm, and decided to move up the ridge to Pearl.
Day 4: Pearl to Martha. Today was my favorite hiking day. Cross country past Division, Bighorn, and Ambition Lakes.....then up the ridge to Valor Lake and Pass. Stunning views when you get to the top.
This is by far my favorite kind of hiking...no trails, no people, and great views.
The top of Valor Pass is well worth the effort. Mt. Goddard just dominate the area.
